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Expect high temperatures, humidity this week

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By Steve Bennish, Staff Writer Updated 1:25 AM Wednesday, June 24, 2009

The first week of summer in the Miami Valley is getting off to an appropriate start — hot.

With temperatures predicted to be consistently in the upper 80s and low 90s this week and humidity levels likely high, Public Health — Dayton & Montgomery County is urging everyone to be careful, especially in the mid-day heat.

“We are moving into a week when we will have a number of high-temperature days with elevated humidity,” health Commissioner Jim Gross said.

While the health agency is not calling this weather spell an emergency or one that is worthy of a heat alert, officials said people can easily over extend themselves.

“While we are always encouraging individuals to be physically active and do things outside, everyone needs to be cautious and ensure they don’t over do it,” Gross said.

Physical activity should be limited during the hottest part of the day. Be aware that it’s easy to over exert this time of year because the body sometimes hasn’t become acclimated to the prolonged higher temperatures.

Emily Gray, spokeswoman for Dayton Power & Light, said Tuesday, June 23, that the utility is not close to reaching electric generating capacity despite the heat.

“It normally takes several days straight of 90-plus degree heat during the day and 70-plus degree heat at night to come close to reaching our electric capacity,” she said. “Electric demand is up slightly over a few days ago, but it is not a tremendous difference, and is very feasible for our system.”

Bill Wharton, spokesman for the health agency, said Public Health Dayton — Montgomery County will continue to monitor the weather to get the word out if conditions get dangerously hot.

For more about heat and health, see Public Health Dayton — Montgomery County on the Web at phdmc.org.

Public Health recommends:

• Drinking plenty of water and non-alcoholic fluids. Put the alcoholic beverages away until cooler weather returns. Alcohol can increase a person’s risk to heat-related illnesses.

• Decreasing physical activity. This is particularly advisable for joggers and athletic teams. Exercise activities should occur in the morning or early evening. Stay in the shade as much as possible.

• Using air conditioning, if available. Many public buildings, libraries, malls, and other locations are air-conditioned.

• Wearing loose, lightweight and light-colored cotton clothing.

• Eating light meals.

• Cooling down with showers, baths, and recreational swimming.

• Adjusting blinds, shades, and awnings to keep out the sun.

• Using your basement, if it is cool, during the hottest hours.

• Using a circulating fan. Moving air helps the body cool, even when the air is the same as the outside temperature. It is important to increase fluid intake to avoid dehydration.

• Being a good neighbor and checking on those who may need assistance.

• Individuals with chronic health problems such as heart disease or lung problems should minimize activities because the heat will add additional stress.

• Extra caution should be taken for the elderly, young infants and children to assure that they are protected from the heat.

• Children and pets should not be left unattended in closed vehicles. Temperatures can reach dangerous levels rapidly.

• Individuals on medication should check with their doctor to see if the heat puts them at increased risk.

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